West Africa has seen another week of heightened political uncertainty, security challenges, and shifting regional dynamics. Benin remains in focus following a failed coup attempt, while Guinea-Bissau is also experiencing fresh unrest.

Dr David Matsanga, a specialist in international relations and conflict resolution, told Rise and Shine that the situation in Benin is far from resolved. “The coup has been suppressed for now, but it is not over,” he said, adding that intelligence indicates the coup leader is missing and reportedly in a secure location.

He said Nigeria and France played a role in countering the attempted takeover. “They acted both overtly and covertly in the region, including in Burkina Faso, Mali, and other Sahel territories,” he explained. Despite this, he warned that the rebels have not been fully neutralised, leaving the door open for further unrest.

In Guinea-Bissau, the military recently announced a National Transition Council, which Matsanga linked to electoral tensions. “Many of the problems start when elections are announced too early or when candidates claim victory before votes are counted. One man, one vote is under serious strain in Africa,” he said, calling for a review of political systems to prevent repeated crises.

Matsanga was critical of regional organisations such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), suggesting their authority is weakened by foreign influence. “ECOWAS relies heavily on funding from Paris. Many African institutions are left powerless when regional conflicts erupt,” he said.

He concluded with a warning about the broader regional situation: “The current instability is serious, and a larger crisis could be on the horizon.”

–ChannelAfrica–